Deviated Septum Surgery

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO SERVE TROY,
BLOOMFIELD AND DETROIT

Signs & Symptoms

Nose Breathing Relief

Breathing through the nose should be easy and natural. Difficulty breathing through the nose is a common problem that is effectively corrected with a routine outpatient surgery.

You don’t have to be a mouth breather anymore! Dr. Compton can make that happen for you.

Deviated Septum Surgery – Troy and Troy

Breathe Easy

deviated septum

“I can breath so much better than before and I am very satisfied with the appearance”

Dr. Compton did an amazing job on my nose, I had a major deviated septum and I could not breathe through my right nostril because of it. Dr. Compton fixed the deviated septum and also straightened the hump on my nose bridge. I can breathe so much better than before and I am very satisfied with the appearance. I would highly recommend Dr. Compton to anyone needing rhinoplasty surgery.

– P.L.

What is a deviated septum?

The septum is the central strut of cartilage and bone that is between the nostrils and divides the two sides of the nose like a wall divides rooms in a house. It should run straight back from between the nostrils deep into the internal part of the nose. It extends all the way back in the nose to where your hard palate ends in your mouth. When it is bent or buckles into one side, or is crowding one side, it has deviated from straight, thus a “deviated septum”.

deviated septum

Why is a deviated septum a problem?

Simply put, the deviated septum creates increased resistance to nasal airflow which slows and restricts the amount of air that is able to travel into the lungs. The primary reason for this is an increased turbulence of the airflow. Turbulence occurs if there is too much or too little space for the air to move through, or because there is a large spur (piece of cartilage or bone) sticking out into the airflow. Turbulence slows down airflow and increases the amount of energy needed to breathe it in. Straightening the septum can return the airflow to a smooth, laminar pattern (opposite of turbulent) from the front to the back and equal on both sides. This is why straightening the septum improves the amount of air you can breathe in without actually increasing the size of air passages.

What does a septum do?

The septum is the central support of the outside part of the nose and the tip. It is needed for structural support like a central tent pole. Without it, the nose will collapse resulting in a saddle nose deformity and a completely droopy tip. Its secondary function is to keep the air flowing from front to back. If it is not present or has a hole in it (septal perforation), it can create significant airflow problems, crusting, whistling, pain and bleeding.

Your Deviated Septum Surgery will be performed by Dr. Andrew Compton at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital, West Bloomfield surgery center or in his office in Troy.

Is a deviated septum the only thing that can cause problems breathing through the nose?

There are many things that can cause issues breathing through the nose. This includes allergies, sinusitis, viral or bacterial infection, nasal polyps, enlarged inferior turbinates, concha bullosa (enlarged middle turbinates), medication overuse, nostril collapse, nasal valve narrowing, and nasal bone fracture, many of which are discussed on this website. Often times there is more than one factor causing your breathing problems, which is why an ENT who is a facial plastic surgeon is the ideal doctor who can evaluate your nasal breathing problems.

enlarged inferior turbinate

So do I want NO resistance in my nose?

Resistance is important in the nose, it helps to slow down the air so it can be cleaned, warmed and humidified before going to the lungs. These functions of the nose are why nasal breathing feels better than mouth breathing. The goal of any nasal surgery for breathing is about creating a balance of resistance vs airflow.

Why is it important to get fixed?

If you are only breathing through the mouth this increases your risk of developing sleep apnea, snoring, dental caries (cavities), and heart disease. A deviated septum can also cause early fatigue while working out and decrease your athletic performance. These may be improved by improving your nasal breathing.

Who Are the Candidates for Deviated Septum Surgery?

Patients who have trouble breathing or sleeping due to a deviated septum are excellent candidates for deviated septum surgery. Candidates should be in good overall health with no post-surgery healing issues.

Patients who want to improve the appearance of their nose in a variety of ways should consider rhinoplasty instead of deviated septum surgery.

Do I Need a Consultation Before Surgery?

You will need a consultation before your deviated septum surgery can be scheduled. This will start by listening to your concerns and goals. A physical exam will help determine if you have a deviated septum.

A surgical plan will be developed to treat this condition. Each stage of the process will be explained in detail. The discussion will include the surgery, the recovery process, potential results, and cost. In addition, you will be given instructions to prepare for the surgery. All questions you may ask during your consultation will be answered.

Will deviated septum surgery help with snoring?

Snoring comes from vibrations in the soft palate so is not directly addressed during septoplasty. That being said, improving breathing through the nose helps many people reduce or resolve their snoring issues. As Dr Compton likes to say “If your snoring is reduced, I will be happy to take credit, but I don’t guarantee it.”

Will I look different after a deviated septum surgery?

If your surgery is as described below, you will not look any different after surgery. If your nose is crooked as well as your septum or your nostrils are collapsing, then a rhinoplasty will be needed. Visit the rhinoplasty page for more details.

What does a deviated septum repair or septoplasty entail?

Septoplasty is an outpatient surgery that consists of making an incision inside the center part of the nostril (no visible external incisions) and lifting the internal lining of the nose. This exposes the septal bone and cartilage that can then be removed, reshaped, and repositioned. If performing a septoplasty with a rhinoplasty, Dr. Compton may use the cartilage from the septum to strengthen other parts of the nose. After getting the septum straight, the lining will be replaced with the remaining cartilage and bone and the incision closed with sutures. Dr. Compton places a silicone sheet over the septum for 5-7 days to prevent a blood clot or hematoma from forming in the tissues. This is simply removed from the office.

What Should I Expect During the Recovery Period?

The patient can go home after their septoplasty surgery. The details of the recovery process will depend on the patient’s surgical plan.

Prescriptions and recovery instructions will be given to aid the healing process. Blowing one’s nose or performing intense workout exercises will be prohibited. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to further evaluate the recovery status and results of the surgery.

The surgery is generally very well tolerated and patients are able to return to light activities in 24 hours, cardio workout in 7 days, and heavy lifting in 14 days. Most people are able to return to work in a few days, however, if done in conjunction with other procedures, this may vary.

It’s time to breathe better!

Call Dr. Compton now to start feeling better soon.

248.289.7300

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How Much Does a Deviated Septum Surgery Cost?

The overall cost of a deviated septum surgery is affected by anesthesia fees, hospital fees, post-surgery garments, and medications. Price is also impacted by medical tests, surgeon’s fees, and the exact techniques employed.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule your consultation for Deviated Septum Surgery in Troy – contact Dr. Compton and set up your appointment. During your appointment, you will be able to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have about the procedure. Contact us today to get the look you’ve always wanted!

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STRAIGHTENING A DEVIATED NASAL SEPTUM

The septum is the structure found in between the two nostrils. It is made of fine bone and cartilage. In some people, the cartilage or the bone of the septum is misaligned, which can… Read More